Laser cleans up costly gull guano mess

When bird netting became part of the problem instead of the solution, one determined kiwifruit grower turned to cutting-edge laser bird control technology — and reclaimed control over his orchard.

Simon Horsfall, a grower in Hawke’s Bay, was facing a nightmare. His 60 ha orchard, protected by overhead nets to guard against hail and wind, had unintentionally become a sanctuary for over 600 seagulls each night.

The result: bird droppings contaminating crops, fruit damage, and serious hygiene concerns during harvest season.

“The bird netting didn’t keep birds out — it gave them a roof,” said Horsfall. “It was costing me tens of thousands in lost fruit and cleaning efforts.”

Frustrated by traditional methods, Horsfall partnered with local bird control expert Michael Krause, who introduced him to the AVIX Autonomic Laser Bird Deterrent by Dutch company Bird Control Group — an automated, environmentally friendly solution that uses green laser beams to scare birds away without harming them.

The system was installed strategically throughout the orchard. Within days, the bird activity dropped dramatically. Over time, the nightly influx of gulls completely disappeared.

“The laser changed everything,” says Horsfall. “It was immediate, effective, and far more sustainable than netting or other deterrents.”

The results were transformative. Horsfall estimates savings of over $105,000 per year from reduced fruit loss, lower cleanup costs, and improved harvest quality.

In addition, neighbouring growers — especially in the blueberry sector — have begun installing the same system after seeing the results.

“Michael’s local support and the Bird Control Group’s technology made this possible. It's not just a tool — it's a game changer.”

With increasing scrutiny on the limitations of bird netting in NZ, growers are now exploring smarter, automated solutions like laser bird control.

The AVIX Autonomic system, already adopted in over 100 countries worldwide, is gaining traction in agriculture, airports, and industrial zones alike for its efficiency and eco-conscious design.

Bird Control Group provides innovative solutions to keep birds at a distance from agricultural and commercial activities, ensuring a safer working environment and a highly effective way of damage prevention. Customers include Cargill, Coca-Cola, Heineken, and Google.